A pedestrian who died in a collision at the weekend has been described as “a happy-go-lucky lad with a heart of gold”.

Scott Punshon was struck by a car in the early hours of last Saturday morning (August 12) on the A689 between Crook and Howden-le-Wear.

Emergency services attended but the 36-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

Read more: Tragedy as pedestrian dies after he's struck by car - man, 24, arrested at the scene

Today, his mum, Janet Armstrong paid a touching tribute to her son, saying: “As a family we are absolutely heartbroken at the sudden and tragic death of our beloved son and brother.

The Northern Echo: Scott Punshaw

“Scott was a happy-go-lucky lad with a heart of gold. His death has left a huge hole in our lives and the lives of all who knew him.

“He is sadly missed by myself and his stepfather John, his brother Robert and his sisters Rachel and Stacey. RIP my beautiful boy.”

The collision happened at 1am, just north of the cemetery at Howden-le-Wear and involved a red Mercedes A-Class.

A 24-year-old man was arrested at the scene and taken to police custody where he was interviewed by officers.

He has since been released under investigation while further enquiries are carried out.

Officers would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident or saw a red-coloured Mercedes in the area at the time of the collision.

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They would also like to hear from anyone who may have any dashcam footage from the area at the time of the incident.

Anyone with information should contact Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident number 22 of August 12.

Information can also be submitted online via the force’s 101 Live Chat at www.durham.police.uk/Report-It/101-Live-Chat